We started a “homeschool routine” when my kids were toddlers. Let's face it, we're all homeschoolers. So, creating a homeschool routine is simply finding a way to integrate learning into your days easily and naturally.

A routine, especially for younger kids, is important. Seeing the title of “Daily Routine of a Homeschool” makes me smile because 1) we're not perfect and we're trying everyday to see what works for us and 2) I am thrilled to be heading down this path of which I have dreamed for a few years now. As I review homeschool curriculum and experiment with schedules and routines within the context of moods, needs and general logistics of life, I will share with you.

My sons are only 3 and 1.5 years old so our home school will be a lot of trial and error, not mention perseverance and patience on my part, to get a good routine for us. As they grow older the morning routine will flow better from a developmental standpoint and from a habitual standpoint. We're excited about homeschooling but daunted at the task. So starting early with experimenting with routine and “curriculum” is important to me. Of course the approach will change as they grow and develop but I am not the type of person who can fly by the seat of my pants. I need to have all the information and then proceed. So, join this journey with me. I like to think I am not alone. I will process our experiences outwardly on this blog and please share with me by leaving a comment.

Preschool Homeschool Routine

Less than a month into our “preschool' homeschool, here is what we do:

7-7:30am – Wake up, free play, breakfast and change into day clothes (and other various things to get us ready for the day)

8:30am – Official start to the day

8:35am– Circle Time (20-30 minutes)

Good Morning Song

Calendar

Days of the Week Song

“Activity Song” that involves a subject. For example, we'll use Child's Play's I am the Music Man, book with movement and Safari's Musical Instruments Toob. This song is great because you can change up the words and really get into pretending to play a saxophone, or whatever instrument your children choose to play. Another example is a simple pre-math song like “The Ants Go Marching” (and use Child's Play's The Ants Go Marching! book) or a counting song to tie into a theme or holiday like “Five Pumpkins Sitting on a Gate”. I am trying to incorporate a prop even if it is just a felt story board.

Introduce a new “work” or review a “work”- For example this morning I pulled over our basket of Chinese Wooden Blocks and had my 3 year old close his eyes to choose a block. Then we would check out the block and practice our Chinese vocabulary.

Fun “You Choose” Song – The boys will choose a song to end the official Circle Time

9am – Story Time (20-30 minutes) where we each choose a book to read and settle into our Reading Corner

9:30-11am – “Free to Choose” which most often involves work for 30 min-1 hour (a much longer time period, beginning earlier as my boys grow and develop) often with me involved to some extent (especially with my 1.5 year old) and outside time (we generally try to get outside at LEAST twice a day. Hopefully our shelves are filled with developmentally relevant materials that will ignite my boys desire to learn. {I don't plan to “teach” all that often. I want my boys to guide their own learning and give them what they need as I observe they need it.} Sometimes we're fortunate to do a lot of activity outside most of the day, but more often we take a walk, paint in the backyard or go to a nearby park). On Monday's we have Mandarin at 11:30 so we'll leave the house around 10:30 with enough time to stop for a snack before class.

A few side notes:

Philosophically speaking, movement, nature (fresh air) and trying to be as organic as possible with our “routine” (sounds funny to put it that way but I hope it makes sense – fairly structured routine with very wide parameters to adjust for boys needs) are what is important to us.

Excursions – We'll go on an excursion at least once a week in the afternoon. Often that excursions involves physical activity like a kids yoga class, an indoor gymnastics playground or swimming. Sometimes, though, we'll head to the zoo, science center or other museum. This week is special. We're heading to The Farm to pick pumpkins, drink warm cider and get lost in a corn maze! I like us to visit the library at least once a week too. There is something about being around books that inspires and motivates me. I like to think the library has the same effect on my boys.

I hope you found this post helpful to you and your journey. Thank you for choosing to read it. Leave a comment. Let me know where you are with your homeschooling adventure!